We are Grateful for our Crossroads Volunteers 

Volunteers are the heartbeat of non-profit organizations and ministries. Volunteers are critical to project completion, event planning and execution, and constituent service. This has been the reality of Crossroads Career ministry since its inception.

Crossroads has benefitted from hundreds of volunteers and thousands of volunteer hours since Brian Ray founded it in 1987. I have personally observed exceptional volunteer dedication and quality in my 16 years serving Crossroads. In my tenure as a ministry leader, volunteer commitment, competency, and compassion have been key to our success.

Faithful Volunteers

In this time of thanksgiving, and on behalf of the leadership, allow me to say thank you to our faithful volunteers. We are truly privileged to serve alongside you. Specifically, we are grateful for your:

• Commitment. It is truly remarkable that you work a full day and then commit to coach a job seeker, sit on an expert panel, present, facilitate a small group, help with online technology, or set up on-site rooms. You do this without complaint. On the contrary, as several of our seasoned volunteers have expressed: “I can’t believe that I get to volunteer” and “I cannot not be a volunteer”. How cool is that!
• Competence. You enthusiastically lend your expertise as presenters, panelists, resume reviewers, wherever and whatever is needed. You are at the top of your fields, you are published, and you are partners in successful firms and businesses. Yet, our job seekers wouldn’t know it because you show up to help and not to be seen. You have been showing up for years and we are thankful.
• Compassion. Crossroads’ ministry, uniquely in the career guidance space, emphasizes care and encouragement. Our goal is to “love on” our seekers; however, you, our volunteers, take it to the next level. In addition to compassionate coaching, guidance, and direction, you offer an empathetic listening ear and prayers for our seekers. Many of you volunteer as a way to “pay it forward” because you have experienced a career transition or know someone who has. Thank you for caring.

In closing, Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians accurately reflects our appreciation of what you mean to this ministry:

“I thank my God every time I remember you, always praying with joy for all of you. I thank God for the help you gave me while I preached the Good News—help you gave from the first day you believed until now. God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.” Philippians 1:3-6

It is our honor and privilege to serve alongside you. We look forward to continuing our work together in 2023!

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Angela Patterson currently serves as a volunteer Crossroads Career board member and as a local Ministry Leader at Crossroads Career Ministry at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church in Marietta GA.   She has been recruiting and managing volunteers of all ages in the non-profit space for 16+ years.  Angela has extensive corporate and consulting experience. She is currently a Career and Integration Coach with IMPACT Group.  Angela is very active in her community and is involved in initiatives around Family Engagement and Child Well-Being.